Joint Statement from the IAFC, NFFF, NFPA and NVFC:
In the spirit of “See something; say something,” we feel it is time to ask for your attention. Over the past few months, there have been an alarming number of firefighter fatalities. In light of that, we do want to remind every operational firefighter, company officer, crew boss, superintendent, and command officer about the importance of situational awareness, evaluation of risk, value of risk as compared to the likelihood of success and the all-important desire of your family, loved one’s and friends that they want every firefighter to go home at the end of their tour of duty.
August, and even September, can bring brutal heat, oppressive humidity and poor air quality throughout the country. On their own, these conditions can cause anyone to become dehydrated and feel ill. Also, the extra weight we carry with our gear and the extreme heat we endure while battling a fire or engaging in other rescue operations, it’s not surprising that our core body temperatures increase rapidly, which can lead to devastating consequences.
Make sure you’re hydrated before, during and after your shift. This will help your body maintain its ability to function properly. If you begin to feel unwell, such as unusual cramping, nausea or pain or pressure in your chest, tell someone immediately so you can get medical attention.
During these summer and early fall months many of us tend to adopt a carefree and spirited mindset. Don’t let this interfere with vigilance while driving or riding in a department or personal vehicle. Always use seat belts and demand that others do, too. Furthermore, always obey the laws of the road and be observant for what others are doing while they’re out and about. Too often, a motorist may not hear or see you coming despite lights and sirens, or recklessly think they can out-run and out-maneuver that 20-plus ton vehicle bearing down on them.
While we’re only midway through the year, and many factors can change between now and the end of December, please do all you can to remain conscientious about your health, your environment and your surroundings. Likewise, if you think someone else is being less than attentive to their health and safety, please say something. Let them know that at the end of every shift we want to be sure Everyone Goes Home® to their loved ones.
RELATED
Read more
- 353
- Article rating: No rating
Posted: Aug 12, 2016
Engine 902 is a commercial pumper-tanker built by Rosenbauer on a Freightliner chassis.
Read more
- 332
- Article rating: No rating
Posted: Aug 11, 2016
A crash involving a deputy fire chief's vehicle and an SUV in Reading sent two people to the hospital Monday. The accident happened at North Third and Walnut streets shortly before noon when the chief's vehicle struck the side of the SUV.
The driver of the SUV had to be freed from the vehicle and transported to the hospital for treatment of unspecified injuries. The deputy chief, Gary Mogel, was also taken to the hospital for evaluation, officials said.
The intersection is controlled by stop signs for drivers on both Third and Walnut streets, so officials have not been able to determine what led to the crash, which remains under investigation.
Read more
- 327
- Article rating: No rating
Posted: Aug 11, 2016
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital at Hamilton has announced that they will add four new ultramodern ambulances to service Hamilton and East Windsor. The custom-designed ambulances come with features both practical and surprising that are meant to enhance patient safety, reduce crew members' injuries and promote energy efficiency, the hospital said in an announcement.
Some of the features include:
a hydraulic lift system that enables EMT crew members to hoist patients into the vehicle with the push of a button.
a mount that holds stretchers in place in the event the ambulance rolls-over.
mobile wi-fi to allow electronic patient care reporting and charging stations for mobile devices.
they even solar panels that charge the vehicles, saving gas and eliminating the need to idle.
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital provides primary basic life support, or BLS, ambulance coverage to Hamilton and East Windsor townships and respond to nearly 1,000 emergency calls in the area per month.
Read more
- 313
- Article rating: No rating